Teach for Georgia program is making a mockery of education

Posted: Friday, May 11, 2001

The new Teach for Georgia program shows us one thing -- that our society and government do not care about children's education or teachers' welfare. Instead of going to the root of the problem -- the lackluster appeal that the profession of teaching has today -- they come up with a quick and easy solution to a very serious problem.

Our children are not being served to the best of our ability and our teachers are not being treated the way they should be. Change is long overdue; however, Teach for Georgia is not the answer.

This program is making a mockery of professional teachers. Individuals in the Teach for Georgia program must have only a 2.5 GPA. Why are we inviting people who were mediocre students to educate our children? Students at the University of Georgia, must have at least a 3.4 GPA to be accepted to the Department of Elementary Education. Education majors then spend two years in their areas of focus. Graduates also must have two six-week field experiences before the final 12-week student teaching experience.

Educating our children should be left up to the individuals who are willing to give the time and effort needed to guide our children through their childhoods.

Gov. Barnes will speak at UGA's graduation ceremony on May 12. There will be two future teachers in the crowd who will not be applauding.

Shannon Thompson and Jennifer Baker

Watkinsville and Conyers

This article published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Friday, May 11, 2001.